The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-27
AN EXPERT GEoLoeIsr DROWNED.


Remarkable Feats of william Reed, Who
Perished New Jerseys Coast.
Pittsburg fPa.) Special.
William Reed the most expert prospecting
geologist in minerals and oil in the United
States left his home in this city last Tuesday to
go to Trenton, n. j. kilograms were received
by his friends here to-day stating that he was
drowned in the Atlantic ocean, off Somer's Point,
tallies exactly with that of Mr. Reed. His aged
wife at once telegraphed for the shipment Of his
remains.
William Reed is regarded among miners
whether of OIL gas. gold or silver. as little short
of prodigy in the way of locating paying strikes.
He has for twenty-five years been engaged in
prospecting. and has accomplished what seems
phenomenal work. He WAS the possessor OF q
single instrument formed in the shape OF a
tripod. and containing tube inside of which
was invisible fluid with which he sailed
excitement existed and essayed. under the
tripods guiding influence, to discover precisely
where the shafts should go down. Feats that
rivaled the performances OF the mind-reader,
Bishop he easily accomplished. with the assist
of the unpretentious staff, and lately he
conceived the notion that by going to the New
Jersey coast he would be able to discover the
numerous shipwreck treasures reputed to be
tossed about on the bed there. among
them the wealth deposited by.Captain Kidd
He has frequently communicated the idea to
Frank Wntesell and w. E. Tustin. the former
of whom was his legal adviser and the latter his
agent in real estate.
NOW, Ill toll TOn WHaIy ne SAlu L u sure
go right to the shipwreck treasures. l will
make startling revelations some day."
When he left last Tuesday evening. he told
his wife that he was off for the East. and would
tee graph to her Saturday evening. promise
which she says he was never known to forget.
He has 10, 900 acres of land in New Jersey, and
it osteEsibly upon An errand connected with
it that he made the journey. but in the light of
last nights intelligence il has been concluded
that he was carrying out his infatuatng plans
and was overcome by the waves while he was
Eoth 49, oS %hofn
depths
Mr.. Tustin said this morning that the ''divin-
ing rod" which Mr.. Reed used was rot super
natural affair, such AS ''divinIng" is tacltly
understo to be, hut, although its owner sur.
rounded it with mystery, it was apparently an
electric contrivance. being equipped with an or
principles. He could dnd coin hidden in any
part of a room never failing in the attempt, and
proceeding with the greatest Indifference and
gusher in the Baden oil field indicated the ma
ioritv of the gas wells in the Sewickley neigh
borhood. and was the most successful prospector
gas found in the vicinity of Homewood,
several years ago, he made q map of the town
and brought it to Mr. Tustin's Office.
Now" said he to Mr.. Tussin, here is a map
Of the town. Here, you see, have marked the
wells that are going to prove gassers, and here
have denoted the failures"
Mr.. Tustn says tho prediction was verified
Mr.. Reed was the owner of 400. 900 acres of land.
situated in New Jersey, kentucky and other
States. |: was made up principally OF mining
tracts. His only survivor is his wife Before
he left the city he was advised by his attorney.
Mr.. Whiteseil, who bears the marks OF wounds
he received while rescuing Pittsburg girl from
the waves 1t Atlantic City. that he had better
avoid the ocean; but remonstrance was in vain.
The deceased man was the plaintiff in $40, 900
suit, arising from an oil exchange transaction.
which was to have been argued by Mr.. Whitesell
before the Supreme Court this week T. B.
Chantler says in explanation OF the fact that his
card was found in the dead mans sarchel, II
gave Mr.. Reed a card of mine five years ago"